Sen. Bernie Sanders supports Chris Van Hollen's bid to challenge Schumer for Senate Democratic leader post

Sen.Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is backing Sen.

Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., for the role of Senate Democratic leader."The American people voted for change.They want a Democratic Party that will stand up to powerful special interests, take on the billionaire class and fight for working families.

That is why I am supporting Senator Chris Van Hollen to lead Senate Democrats," Sanders said in a Thursday post on X.Van Hollen threw his hat into the ring for the role on Thursday, mounting a challenge against current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is looking to retain the Senate Democratic leader position to serve as Senate majority leader next year."In this election, Americans called on us to unrig an economy rigged against working people & fueled by political corruption.To deliver, we need new leadership.

This isn't about any one person – it’s about answering that call.That's why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader," Van Hollen said in a Thursday post on X.VAN HOLLEN CHALLENGES SCHUMER FOR SENATE LEADERSHIP AFTER DEMOCRATIC ELECTION SWEEPU.S.

Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during a news conference at the U.S.

Capitol Building on Nov.10, 2026, in Washington, DC.

(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)Schumer asserted in a post that he has the support to retain his leadership position: "I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead.I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together—55 seats and counting is an amazing result—and I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader.

I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people."Sanders had said during a Tuesday press conference that he would not support Schumer for reelection as Senate Democratic leader.During an interview on an episode of "The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart", Sanders said that he would support Van Hollen if he decided to run for the role.DEMOCRATS TURN ON SCHUMER AFTER HISTORIC ELECTION WINS A...